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As with many hair care trends, certain hair types may see better water-only hair washing results than others. According to McDaniel, water-only washing “works best on thick, coarse, curly/coily textures or those that tend to experience dry scalp or hair.”
Washing hair every day without shampoo can strip the scalp of natural oils, leading to dryness and potential irritation, but it typically does not cause hair loss. However, excessive washing without proper cleansing can contribute to scalp issues like dandruff or folliculitis, which may indirectly affect hair health.
Scalp Issues: Lack of proper cleansing can lead to scalp problems such as dandruff, itching, or even infections due to the buildup of bacteria and fungi. Hair Texture Changes: Your hair may become more tangled, less manageable, and may even develop a different texture as oils and debris affect its condition.
For more than a decade, hair-care lovers and pros have been backing up the hair-boosting benefits of skipping shampoo. Not only does it contribute to healthier hair overall, but it can save money and reduce waste from plastic products.
"Adult skin can be washed every day, but only if using these guidelines: short showers, lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser," she says. "Aggressive, daily cleaning techniques will cause skin to break down, flaring atopic dermatitis, eczema, and often causing uncomfortable itchy, red skin."
The thicker your hair and the less oil, the less you need to shampoo. “Some people with dry hair or curly hair can wash much less frequently without problems,” Goh says. For some people, shampooing every other day, or every 2 to 3 days, without washing is fine.
Natural alternatives include: co-washing, baking soda and apple cider vinegar rinses, water-only washing, natural oil cleansers, herbal shampoo bars, and rice water rinses. Consider using naturally-derived, vegan, and cruelty-free shampoos if you prefer to stick with traditional shampooing.
Hair washing without commercial shampoo, sometimes called no poo, includes water-only hair washing or hair washing with non-commercial products, such as baking soda and vinegar. Advocates argue that commercial shampoo is an unnecessary expense and may contain harmful ingredients.
Product Buildup: Without proper cleansing, daily wetting can cause styling products and environmental pollutants to accumulate on the hair and scalp, leading to a dull and lifeless appearance.
Rinsing with cold water will give you smoother, shinier, more moisturized hair. However, doing the entire wash with cold water isn't necessary–it won't clean your hair as well as warm water will, and your hair could look greasy and flat at the end.
In short, co-washing means using conditioner instead of shampoo and falls somewhere between squeaky clean and second-day hair. In most cases, strands will feel smoother, softer, and easier to manage, especially if you have a head of curls or waves.
Generally, he says, the range is somewhere between once a day and once a week. “If you have very fine or thin hair, you may need to wash more often, while those with thick or curly hair may need to wash less often,” says Dr Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board certified dermatologist and hair health expert.
Native Americans have a rich history of traditional practices, and one of the ways they used to wash their hair was by immersing themselves in the natural environment, particularly in rivers or streams. For many indigenous communities, rivers and streams held profound cultural and spiritual significance.
For most people, there is no medical need to shampoo at all, as rinsing with water can remove dirt and dandruff. However, some health conditions can benefit from regular shampooing. People with parasitic infections of the scalp, particularly lice, may need to use special shampoos to get rid of the bugs.
Yes, there is no harm in washing hair daily with plain treated water but prefer cold water. You need to check for excess chlorine or bleach in water which may cause dryness and split ends on repeated exposure.
"Any shampoo which contains a cleansing agent will clean your hair and scalp. However, a more premium shampoo will contain more concentrated and targeted ingredients that will also benefit the health and needs of the hair and scalp."
“If you were to use a body wash in your hair, it wouldn't break up the oil [and dirt] as well,” says Katta. “It'll leave that residue behind.” That means you could end up with flat, listless hair, as all those oils you'd normally remove will continue to weigh it down.
In fact, LovelySkin CEO and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends cleansing skin with your hands over a shower loofah or washcloth.
While there is no ideal frequency, experts suggest that showering several times per week is plenty for most people (unless you are grimy, sweaty, or have other reasons to shower more often). Short showers (lasting three or four minutes) with a focus on the armpits and groin may suffice.
“Most bacteria will stay in stable numbers,” Barankin said. “Although those in dark, warm, humid areas — like groin, under [the] breasts, and armpits — can proliferate more and be more likely to cause odour, itch, or even rash.”